Abstract

Relationships can seldom survive failed expectations, and the greater the distance between what was expected and what comes to pass, the greater the feeling of betrayal. So too it is in the relationship between a government and its citizens. Ruling political parties are often stubbornly resilient to the consequences of failed expectations. However, after the Arab spring, and even the riots in England during 2011, it is difficult not to believe that, amongst other things, the democratising effect of instant communication through social networking will undermine that resilience and force those in power to be more responsive to dissatisfaction amongst the electorate.